Pregnancy week 16: first movements possible
Quickening possible for second-time pregnancies. Size of an avocado.
Where you are in pregnancy
You're in the second trimester. Energy returns, the bump shows, baby movement begins.
What's happening to baby at week 16
Quickening possible for second-time pregnancies. Size of an avocado. The full physical and neurological development happening this week is part of a continuous timeline — for the complete picture across all 40 weeks, see the complete pregnancy pillar.
What's happening to your body
Each pregnancy week brings physical changes. Common at week 16: hormonal shifts driving symptoms, blood volume changes, uterine growth (after week 12), or physical preparation for delivery (third trimester). Track symptoms in Wermom App for patterns.
- Continue prenatal vitamin (folic acid most important T1, iron throughout)
- Track symptoms and concerns for next OB visit
- Hydrate (pregnancy increases fluid needs by ~300mL/day)
- Begin or continue safe exercise (150 min/week target per ACOG)
- Mental health check-in
Red flags this week
Always call your provider for: heavy bleeding, severe one-sided pain, severe headache with visual changes, signs of preterm labor, sudden swelling, persistent severe vomiting.
Track week 16 with Wermom App
Week-by-week guidance + symptom tracker + appointment reminders
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